Aspen Ladd and Norma Dumont face off in an intriguing featherweight bout in the Oct. 23 edition of UFC Fight Night. We have the betting odds and preview you need ahead of the first bell.

Ladd ending a long layoff

Ladd had a scary moment when she was visibly shaking on the scales ahead of her cancelled bout with Macy Chiasson. The bout was supposed to be her first in nearly two years after recovering from tearing both her MCL and ACL, and she’ll be making her debut at 145 lbs.

In the past, Ladd’s ace in the hole was weaponizing her size by draining herself during the weigh ins, then re-hydrating to obtain a massive advantage. Six of her nine wins have come by knockout, and she is an absolute terror to deal with if she gets an advantageous position on the ground.

Dumont coming off a big win

Dumont edged former title challenger Felicia Spencer last May, and while she was hoping to face Holly Holm, she has a tough assignment in Ladd. Activity may be an overlooked advantage for Dumont, especially as she’s fought three times in the time Ladd has been out.

Like Ladd, Dumont is at 145 lbs because she is too big for featherweight, but she uses her size to smother her foes. She isn’t a big striker, but her takedown defense and grappling can help her avoid Ladd’s devastating ground and pound.

A refreshed Ladd will overpower Dumont

Dumont probably wasn’t going to beat Holm because of lack of striking power, and that will also be the case here. Neither fighter will be able to greatly impose their size on the other, but Ladd’s superior striking power and stronger takedown game should carry the fight.

Unless Ladd’s mobility is permanently compromised, she’ll be the bully in the octagon and will force Dumont off her if she feels her back towards the cage. That aggressiveness combined with Dumont’s attempts to tie Ladd up will eventually lead to a takedown, and Ladd will rain the big shots down.

It isn’t outside the realm of possibility that Dumont could grind out a win. The reality, though, is that the only thing stopping Ladd is any ring rust. Expect Ladd to have an early night at Dumont’s expense.

UFC Fight Night pick: Ladd